Kins of 5 troops killed in Marawi gets P1-M each from philantropist

MANILA-- The families of five soldiers killed in the ongoing fighting in Marawi City against Maute Group remnants, have received PHP1 million each, from an anonymous philantropist, Wednesday.

The donation is part of the PHP98 million the latter earmarked for military troops killed in the fighting.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the five families were formally handed the money by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo AAo during short ceremonies at the General Headquarters Conference Room in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Last Aug. 2, the AFP chief handed PHP1 million each to the families of three soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division, who were killed in action in Marawi City, during his visit to Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.

Arevalo said the PHP90 million will be turned over to the Major Services for distribution to other beneficiaries.

What is immensely admirable with this anonymous donor, apart from his or her selflessness in giving away such an enormous sum of money, is the continuing commitment to provide PHP1 million each to the family of soldiers who may be KIA (killed-in-action), God forbid, in the continuing crisis in Marawi. The number of soldiers KIA has now reached 122 from 98 at the time of the pledge, he added.

The donation was deposited in the account name "AFP Marawi Casualty" in Land Bank of the Philippines. The account was opened in June for those who have expressed desire to help the families of soldiers who died in battle.

On behalf of the AFP, our soldiers, and their families, I wish to commend the generosity of our benefactor who chose to remain anonymous despite the enormity of this gesture, AAo said.

This, and the countless other gestures of goodwill, sympathy, and support that we have received in this time when our resolve is being challenged manifest the true spirit of Bayanihan that is kindled in each one of us, the AFP chief said.

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